The pesky door in question is located after a boss fight in Sector 3 and according to Nintendo the problem only occurs if you do not proceed through it as soon as you pick up the Ice Beam. Go back and it may snap shut forever.

The exact details, along with instructions on how to contact Customer Services if you fall victim to the bug, are on the Nintendo UK and Nintendo of America (thanks Kotaku) websites.

"If this issue does affect your game and the door is locked preventing you from further progressing in the game then please contact Nintendo Customer Support who will provide you with details on how we will fix your save file free of charge," the platform holder explained.

Hopefully you're not affected, because then you'll surely enjoy the rather lovely Metroid: Other M, which picked up 8/10 in its Eurogamer review last month.